Vietnamese Cuisine
When considering Vietnamese cuisine, the Nation is basically divided into three unique regions. These regions are the North, the Central, and the Southern regions. Each of these regions are notably different from the others. They do have some things in common however. Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is renown for their use of fresh ingredients and how healthy the food is. The Vietnamese use lots of different vegetables and herbs but also utilize meats like chicken, fish, pork, beef, and a variety of seafoods.
The climate in northern Vietnam is much different than central and southern Vietnam. Because it is significantly cooler there, their agriculture is different. As a result, the foods in the north are often less spicy because of lack of herbs and spices. The dishes of the north are much more subtle than the other regions but are in no way lacking. The flavors are creatively layered and as a result some of the most notable dishes come from here. Much of the early inhabitants came from northern Vietnam and as a result these dishes can be found throughout the rest of the country. A few of the notable dishes are phở, bún riêu, and bánh cuốn.
Central Vietnam is known for its spiciness. This area is mountainous and provides a great climate for growing these spices. This region is also known for their beautiful dishes. This region had previously been the location of their royalty. Because there was royalty present, the focus on making these beautiful dishes was paramount. Chili peppers and shrimp sauce are used liberally in the cuisine of this region. Some of the more notable dishes coming out of this region are bún bò Huế and bánh xèo.
Southern Vietnam is graced by warm weather and very fertile soil and therefore they are able to grow many different types of agriculture. Fruits, vegetables, and livestock thrive in this region. Since the Vietnamese pride themselves on eating fresh ingredients, many of the dishes reflect the vibrant colors of the ingredients. These dishes are beautiful to look at and the flavors reflect the best of the ingredient. Another thing that sets southern Vietnam apart is their use of sugars in this region. The southerners do not hesitate to add sugars to many of these dishes. Because they are closer to the large bodies of water, southern Vietnam is easier to access for foreigners. Because they are easier to access, foreigners have made an impact on this cuisine. For example the French. French visitors brought with them baguettes and now Vietnamese have Banh mi. Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that can be easily found amongst the many street vendors.
The Chinese also have had a big impact on Vietnam’s cuisine. You can often find Vietnamese using woks to cook their food. Unlike the Chinese though, they only flash cook in these woks. They want the food to reflect its natural state and aim to alter it as little as possible. This type of cooking is not just with the wok but also with other types of cooking techniques. There is also a huge vegetarian influence in this region. Some of that comes from various religions. Either way, you’ll be able to find some of the freshest most unadulterated food in Vietnam.
When considering Vietnamese cuisine, the Nation is basically divided into three unique regions. These regions are the North, the Central, and the Southern regions. Each of these regions are notably different from the others. They do have some things in common however. Traditional Vietnamese cuisine is renown for their use of fresh ingredients and how healthy the food is. The Vietnamese use lots of different vegetables and herbs but also utilize meats like chicken, fish, pork, beef, and a variety of seafoods.
The climate in northern Vietnam is much different than central and southern Vietnam. Because it is significantly cooler there, their agriculture is different. As a result, the foods in the north are often less spicy because of lack of herbs and spices. The dishes of the north are much more subtle than the other regions but are in no way lacking. The flavors are creatively layered and as a result some of the most notable dishes come from here. Much of the early inhabitants came from northern Vietnam and as a result these dishes can be found throughout the rest of the country. A few of the notable dishes are phở, bún riêu, and bánh cuốn.
Central Vietnam is known for its spiciness. This area is mountainous and provides a great climate for growing these spices. This region is also known for their beautiful dishes. This region had previously been the location of their royalty. Because there was royalty present, the focus on making these beautiful dishes was paramount. Chili peppers and shrimp sauce are used liberally in the cuisine of this region. Some of the more notable dishes coming out of this region are bún bò Huế and bánh xèo.
Southern Vietnam is graced by warm weather and very fertile soil and therefore they are able to grow many different types of agriculture. Fruits, vegetables, and livestock thrive in this region. Since the Vietnamese pride themselves on eating fresh ingredients, many of the dishes reflect the vibrant colors of the ingredients. These dishes are beautiful to look at and the flavors reflect the best of the ingredient. Another thing that sets southern Vietnam apart is their use of sugars in this region. The southerners do not hesitate to add sugars to many of these dishes. Because they are closer to the large bodies of water, southern Vietnam is easier to access for foreigners. Because they are easier to access, foreigners have made an impact on this cuisine. For example the French. French visitors brought with them baguettes and now Vietnamese have Banh mi. Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that can be easily found amongst the many street vendors.
The Chinese also have had a big impact on Vietnam’s cuisine. You can often find Vietnamese using woks to cook their food. Unlike the Chinese though, they only flash cook in these woks. They want the food to reflect its natural state and aim to alter it as little as possible. This type of cooking is not just with the wok but also with other types of cooking techniques. There is also a huge vegetarian influence in this region. Some of that comes from various religions. Either way, you’ll be able to find some of the freshest most unadulterated food in Vietnam.